Bhutan joined the global community to mark International Women’s Day yesterday by launching guidelines to support victims of violence and introducing training handbook to prevent sexual abuse. The day was observed in Haa and graced by Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Her Majesty is on a high-level advocacy tour, focusing on women’s rights, gender equality, and priority public health issues, across the country.
More than five thousand people gathered at the public football ground in Haa to commemorate International Women’s Day in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
The National Commission for Women and Children in collaboration with RENEW, the Ministry of Health, the PEMA Secretariat, UNFPA and UNICEF organised the programme, bringing together representatives from government agencies, local governments, civil society organisations, development partners and community members.
Several institutions including the National Commission for Women and Children, the PEMA Secretariat, the Ministry of Health, the Office of the Attorney General and RENEW delivered presentations highlighting key issues such as gender-based violence, women’s rights, access to justice, sexual and reproductive health services, and support systems available for victims of violence.
Reena Thapa, Chief Programme Officer of National Commission for Women and Children said, “According to a report from 2024, though the number of children being enrolled in school and those graduating from higher studies has increased, the employment rate for men remains at about 60 per cent, while for women it is around 40 per cent.”
The programme also saw the launch of the fourth edition of the Multi-Sectoral Task Force Community-Based Support System guidelines, which outline coordinated procedures for government agencies and community groups to support victims of violence and other vulnerable individuals.
A training handbook on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment was also introduced to strengthen awareness, reporting mechanisms and accountability across institutions and communities.
Participants said the programme served as an important reminder of the need to encourage women to take leadership roles and support one another.
Tshering Choden, a trainee teacher in Haa said, “We have been doing it so far. But as a reminder, whenever women step up to take leadership roles, I believe it is important that they are given the confidence to fulfil their duties instead of discouraging them.”
Following the discussions, Her Majesty the Queen Mother interacted with members of the public, listening to their concerns and encouraging communities to work together in protecting and empowering women and girls.
Dawa Dema from Eusu Gewog said, “The people of Haa are very grateful for Her Majesty for visiting us to celebrate International Women’s Day. We received a lot of knowledge and advice today, and as a woman, I feel blessed to be part of a celebration like this.”
Karma Choden from Katsho Gewog said, “We are very grateful that we got to see and interact with Her Majesty today and celebrate International Women’s Day with Her Majesty.”
Officials say such engagements help strengthen collaboration between institutions and communities in addressing issues affecting women and vulnerable groups.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s advocacy tour will continue in Phuentshogling and Samtse in the coming week.
Karma Samten Wangda, Haa
